Thursday, 8 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 178-197

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (178)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

178. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the reason that his Department does not provide funding towards the local improvement scheme which is for improvement works on small roads and laneways in rural Ireland which are not maintained by the local authorities that provide access to people’s homes and farms or to amenities such as lakes, rivers or beaches; if he will reconsider this position and provide much needed funding towards this extremely important scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42291/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. The maintenance of roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the relevant landowners.

The Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Under that scheme, funding can be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads (that is roads not taken in charge by local authorities) which meet the criteria set out in the Act. 

Up to 2012 this Department did provide ring-fenced funding for this scheme. However, due to the major cutbacks in roads funding arising from the post-2008 financial crisis, it was necessary for the Department to stop providing dedicated funding for LIS in 2012 and there was no funding for LIS in that year.

After that from 2013 to 2017, while there was no separate allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme, local authorities could use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant for the Local Improvement Scheme if they chose to do so. The reason this approach was taken was that it was considered that Councils were best placed to decide whether to concentrate the limited grant funding available on public roads or to operate a local improvement scheme for non-public roads.

In September 2017, the Minister for Rural and Community Development reintroduced dedicated funding for the LIS and is continuing to fund the scheme. In light of the significant funding being put into LIS by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the need to direct resources into maintaining and renewing public roads, it was decided that the option of allocating a proportion of the Department's Discretionary Grant to LIS would no longer apply from 2018. This remains the position.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (179)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

179. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on discussions which have taken place between his Department and Louth County Council in respect of progressing the northern cross route project under the urban regeneration development fund since its most recent unsuccessful appeal due to its significant transport infrastructure related elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42320/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Louth County Council is the statutory planning and road authority in its functional area. It is, therefore, a matter for Louth County Council to consider options regarding the development of the proposed Drogheda Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme.

It should be noted that there is a limited budget available for projects under the Regional and Local Road Strategic Grant Programme and that the implementation of a number of the larger NDP schemes which are now at construction stage will absorb much of the funding available in the period to 2025.  It should also be noted that, under the Public Spending Code, a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) is required for all projects which are estimated to cost in excess of €10 million. To date no SAR report has been received by my Department from Louth County Council for this proposed project.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (180)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Carrickmacross to Ardee road scheme; the projected timeline for the scheme; the costs of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42331/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question on the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney project to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (181)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

181. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a full update in respect of the Ardee bypass which is a central project in the National Development Plan; the targeted timelines for the commencement of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42332/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of the Ardee Bypass.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (182, 183, 184)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussion has taken place between his Department and Irish Rail to ascertain the viability of the re-opening of the Dunleer railway station to prepare for the introduction of DART services to Drogheda in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42334/22]

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

183. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any discussion has taken place between his Department and Irish Rail to ascertain the viability of opening a Drogheda north railway station to prepare for the introduction of DART services to Drogheda in the coming years given the phenomenal population growth in the town and the need to reduce the significant number of commuter vehicles and the carbon footprint travelling from the north of Drogheda to the south Drogheda railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42335/22]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended in the context of the DART+ west project to re-establish an entry point on Amiens Street to platforms five, six and seven at Connolly station. [42370/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 183 and 184 together.

As Minister for Transport,  I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, which includes the DART+ Programme, the various projects therein and the scope of same.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 182.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 182.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (185)

Josepha Madigan

Ceist:

185. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the National Transport Authority to secure an extension of the 175 bus route in order for it to stop at St. Vincent’s Hospital and provide residents living along the route, including in Dundrum and the surrounding areas with a vital public transport link to their local hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42437/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The independent Transport Regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for decisions regarding routes.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy’s question, in relation to the possible extension of the 175 bus route in order for it to stop at St. Vincent’s Hospital, to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Air Services

Ceisteanna (186)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

186. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if the Dublin Airport Authority has conducted any research into environmental impact of planes flying over the Clondalkin and Lucan areas, including that of noise pollution; if another less densely-populated route will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42451/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

Oversight of the issue of aircraft noise pollution is a very thorough process and involves multiple parties including Dublin Airport Authority, local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency. In the case of Dublin Airport, Fingal County Council is the competent authority for aircraft noise regulation and the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) was established in 2019 and ensures that the ICAO Balanced Approach is adhered to.

Dublin Airport is currently working on delivering an expanded network of noise monitoring stations across communities that may be impacted by aircraft noise. Lucan and Clondalkin are areas earmarked for inclusion in the roll out of this expanded network of monitors which will provide both the airport and communities with relevant aircraft noise measurements and data.

Every effort is made to identify those communities impacted by airport operations and to minimise the impact of airport activity on these communities when designing flight routes. While safety is the primary focus, routes are designed to avoid overflight of built-up areas where possible.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (187)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

187. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of applications for motor tax that were made online in 2021, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42518/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

The details requested by the Deputy on the percentage of motor tax applications made online in 2021, by county are provided in the tabular table below. The overall number of motor tax applications was 4,778,875 of which 4,242,583 (88.78%) were completed online.  

County	% of Motor Tax Applications Online
Carlow	85.07
Cavan	86.72
Clare	86.15
Cork	89.86
Donegal	85.48
Dublin	92.39
Galway	88.00
Kerry	87.36
Kildare	91.98
Kilkenny	86.37
Laois	86.55
Leitrim	84.18
Limerick	88.26
Longford	84.01
Louth	90.07
Mayo	85.08
Meath	92.63
Monaghan	83.72
Offaly	85.42
Roscommon	78.56
Sligo	82.36
Tipperary	86.87
Waterford	87.25
Westmeath	84.40
Wexford	86.27
Wicklow	90.66
Total	88.78

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (188, 260)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the procedure used to approve the development of the rail link from Foynes to Limerick; the details of the economic appraisal of this project; if and when it was published; the estimated cost of the project; the projected completion date; if the viability of the freight element of this project will be negatively impacted by the lack of a direct rail link along the west coast to Westport, Ballina and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42555/22]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

260. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reopen and upgrade the railway line from Foynes to Limerick; if any proposal will include both freight and passenger options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43468/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 260 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.  The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and disused lines on the network, including the redevelopment of a proposed rail link from Foynes Port to Limerick, be it for freight and/or passenger services, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. 

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (189)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

189. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the procedure used to approve the development of the rail services from Mallow to Cork and on to Cobh and Midleton; the details of the economic appraisal of this project; if and when the appraisal was published; the estimated cost of the project including dedicated new rolling stock; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42556/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, the Government approved the inclusion of Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme in Ireland's National Recovery & Resilience Plan. Inclusion in the Plan means the projects referred to by the Deputy will largely be funded through the EU's Recovery & Resilience Facility and also means that all works contained within Phase 1 should be complete by the end of 2026.

Funding for the projects will be administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in its capacity as day-to-day Approving Authority. In view of NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to it for more detailed response on the specific issues raised.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (190)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

190. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the Limerick to Foynes rail line, the development of commuter services in the Cork area and the development of the Athenry to Claremorris line is singularly held up waiting for the All Ireland Rail Review given that rail projects were recently approved for the Dublin to Maynooth line particularly taking into account the relative underdevelopment economically of the west and its special status under European Union regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42557/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.  The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including closed and disused lines, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

The scope of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (the Review), as agreed with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, does not in the main include urban rail networks. For this reason, projects as part of the DART+ Programme and Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme have continued to progress alongside work in the Review - they are not held up by it.

With regard to the development of commuter services in the Cork area, the Government approved the inclusion of Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme in Ireland's National Recovery & Resilience Plan. Phase 1 will see the construction of a new through-platform at Kent station to connect the existing lines, double tracking of the network between Glounthaune and Midleton, and network-wide resignalling to faciliate future enhancements. Inclusion in the Plan means that these Phase 1 projects will largely be funded through the EU's Recovery & Resilience Facility and means that all works should be complete before the end of 2026.

In relation to the development of the Athenry to Claremorris line, as the Deputy may be aware, a financial and economic appraisal of the proposed reopening of this line was commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants. This appraisal was published early last year and is available to view at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/ 

The appraisal was subject to an independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU/EIB, and that review is also available to view at the above link.

The ongoing Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (in Northern Ireland), will inform the development of inter-urban/inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will establish the long-term strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions and on our mainline network that the JASPERS review noted was lacking.

This type of strategic analysis informs our consideration of specific projects and in that regard, the Review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network. That scope includes the potential afforded by disused and closed lines for both passenger and freight services, such as sections of the Western Rail Corridor and the Foynes line.

I expect to receive a final report from the Review later this year.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (191)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

191. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to reopen the Rosslare to Limerick rail line in total and to provide frequent daily freight and passenger services on the line in view of the climate crisis and the rapid increase in freight and motoring costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42558/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.  The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including the Rosslare to Limerick line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. 

As the Deputy may be aware, regional rail connectivity is one of the key issues for consideration as part of the ongoing All-Island Strategic Rail Review.  The Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. 

The Review is considering the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that includes the potential afforded by disused and closed lines. The provision of rail services to the locations referred to by the Deputy is being considered in this context. The Review is also considering rail connectivity to our international gateways, with that considering the role of rail freight.

The final report from the Review is expected to be published by the end of this year.

Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 160.

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (193)

John Lahart

Ceist:

193. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the measures that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is proposing to implement following the results from the various sound pollution surveys that have been undertaken by local authorities in Dublin and specifically South Dublin County Council and particularly in relation to the M50 residential corridors and residential locations along the Naas Road specifically adjoining Kingswood Castle Estate where noise levels from the immediate road are greater than the very high category allowed for in the noise pollution surveys. [42615/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (194)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

194. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the total number of testers in each RSA driver test centre by location; the total number of tests carried out per year at each location in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42616/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Maritime Jurisdiction

Ceisteanna (195)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

195. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when a ship radio licence will issue to a person (details supplied) who has had to apply three times for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42627/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

I confirm that the Ship Radio Licence for Mr. Fleming has been processed and issued on 6th September 2022. Regrettably, technical issues with the IT system used by the Mercantile Marine Office resulted in the delay in processing the licence.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (196)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

196. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the reason the capital expenditure for his Department was behind profile by €175 million or 24.3% at the end of July 2022; the breakdown by subhead in his Department estimates where the underspend has occurred; the steps he intends taking between now and the end of 2022 to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42630/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Deputy,

At the end of July 2022, the department's capital expenditure was behind profile by €174.542 million.

The underspends are outlined and broken down by subhead below.

Carbon Reduction

				Carbon Reduction
Subhead	Expenditure (000s)	Profile (000s)	Variance	%
B.3 Carbon Reduction	44,562	54,334	- 9,772	-18%
B.3.2 LEV Grants	40,473	45,809	- 5,336	-12%
B.3.2 LEV Infrastructure	4,089	8,500	- 4,411	-52%
B.3.4 Energy, Air and Adaption	-	25	- 25	-100%

B3.2 LEV Grants:

The LEV Grants provide funding towards a number of electric vehicle purchase grants, which are demand led. In general demand was lower than expected at this point in the year due to global supply chain issues impacting on the availability and delivery of new vehicles into the Irish market. This in turn led to a lower demand for the drawdown of grant funding.

B3.2 LEV Infrastructure:

The drawdown of funding for infrastructure is also being impacted by global supply chain issues. In addition, the launch of a scheme for apartment charging had been delayed, and was launched with Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) on 21st July.

Public Transport

				Public Transport
Subhead	Expenditure	Profile	Variance	%
B.4  Public Service Provision Payments	10,254	18,195	- 7,941	-44%
B.5.1 Heavy Rail Safety & Development	56,664	70,846	- 14,182	-20%
B.5.2 Public Transport Infrastructure	44,568	107,889	- 63,321	-59%
B.5.3 Accessibility Retrofit Programme	4,822	6,086	- 1,264	-21%

 B.4 Public Service Provision Payment:

The NTA are continuing to draw down the Public Service Obligation (PSO) capital funding on a monthly basis in line with the monthly CIE Operator Claims. The €18m will be fully drawn down by the end of 2022.

B5.1 Heavy Rail Safety and Development:

The underspend is predominantly due to the reduction in spend on DART+ Fleet as a result of the renegotiation of the timing of milestone payments, with a significant downpayment made to Alstom in December 2021, originally scheduled for 2022. There is also a reduction in expenditure on new intercity railcars due to an updated delivery schedule of 2023 for the majority of railcars.

B5.2 Public Transport Infrastructure:

The underspend is predominantly due to a reduction in spend on Ticketing, Technology & Integration, Support and the Bus Programme. In the case of BusConnects Dublin, there have been delays to the delivery of new fleet. €24.52m has been re-allocated to the IMMAC contract. This funding movement  will be recorded in the provisional out-turn at year end.

B.5.3 Accessibility Retrofit Programme:

The Irish Rail Accessibility project is behind Budget due to delays in appointing contractors resulting in a reduced Q2 forecast of c.€1.8m. The Wayfinding Centre Project is also behind Budget due to delays in on-boarding a contractor, who commenced work in March 2022. 

The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle project is also behind Budget due to a shortage of new and second-hand cars due to supply chain issues. The remaining accessibility works are ongoing and the objective is to spend the full allocation by year end.

Roads

				Roads
Subhead	Expenditure	Profile	Variance	%
C.3  Road Improvement/Maintenance	326,657	406,791	- 80,134	-20%
C.4.2 Road Safety Agencies & Expenses	-	230	- 230	-100%
C.5  Vehicle and Driver Licencing Expenses	-	222	- 222	-100%

C3 National Roads – Asset Protection and Renewal:

TII’s expenditure is behind schedule when compared with the profile for July. However, TII expects to complete a full drawdown of funding by year end.

C.3.2  Construction and Development of National Roads:

Some of the underspend is related to the timing of payments.In relation to significant project delay, a Roadbridge Ltd went into receivership in March, leading to the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project being suspended. As a result, TII re-allocated €47.8m of national roads exchequer funds; €23.35m for roads protection and renewal, €10m as a contingency for inflationary pressures and €14.45m for other programmes. These funding movements will be recorded in the provisional out-turn at year end.

C.3.6  Regional and Local Roads – New Roads/Improvement Works:

Drawdown is being affected by a number of factors at present, including the Roadbridge receivership and a delayed start on one of the larger RLR improvement schemes due to the impact of construction cost inflation and supply chain constraints. 

As regards the overall position regarding regional and local roads’ expenditure, the Department has liaised with the OGP in relation to the ‘Inflation/Supply Chain Delay Co-operation Framework’ and the guidance issued regarding the different forms of Public Works Contracts. Additional OGP guidance is expected shortly regarding the CF6 short form of contract which relates specifically to civil pavement projects. Once this guidance issues there will be further engagement with stakeholders. While it will take time to work through this process, the implementation of the framework can be expected to result in significant increases in the cost of individual projects/schemes.  The Department will be monitoring the overall impact on project/programme delivery.

As can be seen, the underspends are due to a wide variety of reasons and are across several subheads. They are being addressed on a suitable case-by-case basis in a manner which can best support delivery of the Department's overall investment objectives for 2022. I will continue to monitor progress on capital expenditure closely between now and year end and my officials and I are actively engaging with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the capital expenditure allocated is fully utilised as planned.

Haulage Industry

Ceisteanna (197)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

197. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will support the measures needed to provide licensed hauliers with added supports to meet the cost of AdBlue as a consumable is an integral part of the modern low emissions exhaust treatment system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42641/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

The Ukraine crisis continues to adversely affect European and Global oil markets, causing a sustained increase in the price of crude and in the price of refined products on the retail market. Increasing costs are not limited to a specific sector and we are now seeing rising costs impacting across many sectors and affecting society in general.

The Government is fully aware of the increased costs that the haulage sector, like many others, has been facing over recent months. There has been a general increase in the price of AdBlue, although there are no commonly accepted reference figures for Adblue cost. In recognition of the important role that the haulage sector plays in supporting our economy, the Government approved specific financial support for the sector via the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme (the Scheme) in March 2022.

The Scheme provided a temporary financial support of €100 per week, for eight weeks, for each eligible heavy goods vehicle authorised on the licence of a road haulage operator as of 11 March 2022. It was administered by the Department of Transport, and it is now closed. There was good uptake of the Scheme, with over €15.6 million paid out to c.3,100 operators.

In addition, the Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS) remains available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. At diesel prices over €1.43 (including VAT), the maximum rebate of 7.5 cent per litre is provided. It has always been the case that some operators that are eligible for the DRS do not take it up. The Department strongly encourages all such operators to make the most of the supports that are available.

Furthermore, tax debt “warehoused” during the COVID crisis remains at an interest rate of 0% for the remainder of this year.

More generally, the Government has also acted to offset the rising cost of fuel through a reduction in Excise on fuels - a reduction of 20 cent on petrol and 15 cent on diesel fuel. While this measure (announced in early March 2022) was originally proposed to last until 31 August 2022 the Government has extended it out to Budget Day 2022. This measure provides assistance to all citizens and businesses to help mitigate the impact of recent fuel price increases.

However, it should be noted that the causes of the current fuel price pressures are not within the control of Government and are being directly influenced by external factors, including the Ukraine crisis. Unfortunately, we must accept that it will not be possible to fully insulate citizens and businesses from the impact of these fuel price increases.

Since early March with the benefit of the excise reduction, 8 weeks support under the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme and the ongoing Diesel Rebate relief, haulage businesses will have had the opportunity to revise and renegotiate contracts with their clients in order to reflect increased prices, as is an unfortunate reality in all sectors across the economy.

The Government has limited resources but through the Excise measure, as well as the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme, it has responded to help to ease the impact of the cost increases for the haulage sector.